AND NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE SITE, YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE THEM.

I would like share the origin of my name, TurtleBear's Canines & Collectibles, with you. Over the years I have felt a close kinship with many animals, in particular bears, turtles, and dogs. TurtleBear refers to my spirit animals that have joined to guide me through life and become the turtle-shelled bear you see above.

The canine part of my name comes from a very important aspect of my life, which I share with many dogs. My husband and I have our pack which right now consists of 2 dogs. Over the years I have been a volunteer puppy raiser for three service dog organizations. I was also a registered therapy dog team for several years. If you click on the link above, you can find out more about the service dog puppies, therapy dogs, and the rest of our Pack that have been, are part of my life.

One of the service puppies I raised was Joy, a golden retriever born in CA to the Loving Paws Assistance Dog program. Joy, like many of the puppies that are raised with the possibility of becoming a service dog, did not want to be a service dog. After returning her to CA for Advanced Training she became very depressed and would not eat, work, play, etc. The trainers tried many things to help her adjust but it was clear she was homesick and they decided to release Joy from the program. The puppy raiser for a released dog gets to have the pup back if they so desire otherwise the pup is sold to someone waiting for one of the released dogs. I wanted Joy back and with the help of Angel Flight Joy returned to Montana in January 2001. She became my constant companion, a registered therapy dog and was great at helping me pick out old trade beads! Thus, the canine part of my name refers to the many dogs in my life who are a constant part of our Pack or were temporary residents as puppies in training.

This picture was taken in February 2008. It is my Joysie, with a few of my old trade beads (some of her favorites!), representing the Canines& Collectibles part of my business name.

I sadly tell you that my sweet girl, Joy, died on 10 October 2010 from complications associated with her treatment for lymphoma.

Click on Joy to see her up close.

The Collectibles part of my name (although many of my canine friends, including Joy would argue that they are indeed collectibles!) consists of the items in this store.

The majority of my inventory consists of old glass beads made mostly in Europe in the last 500 years. I have used the popular term 'trade bead' even though some of the beads I carry may not have actually been used for trade. But they are still old, collectible beads.

I have the store separated into several categories which should make it easier for you to find the kind of items you want to look at. Just click on a category and it will take you to the pages of the items listed. There is also a Search box above; just enter a word(s) and click on GO to find a particular item.

There is a Contact page if you have questions, would like to talk about a commissioned item, etc. I often get pictures of things customers have made with the beads they buy and I would like to start sharing some of the pictures as well so send me pics of your creations.

Please check the Links page; 50% of my TBCC profits go to the causes I support in addition to the volunteer work I do as an assistance dog puppy raiser and canine rescue.

Thank you kindly for visiting my store and I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Namaste...

Carlene Farmer

News Update

FEBRUARY 2018

I AM OFFERING THREE DISCOUNTS: 50% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE WITH A $50.00 MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIRED. AND THERE ARE ALSO 65% AND 80% DISCOUNTS; CHECK THE SALES PAGE FOR DETAILS.

BE SURE TO GO TO THE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP PAGE TO GET NOTICES OF SALES, ETC.

A PORTION OF MY SALES GOES TO CANINE ANGELS SERVICE TEAMS (http://canine-angels.org/). Canine Angels Service Teams provides exceptional dogs for children with special needs, promoting the child's independence and providing a better quality of life.